Who makes the most realistic gas logs?
Who Makes the Most Realistic Gas Logs?
Updated September 2021
Disclaimer: Due to COVID-19, RH Peterson is experiencing 8-week shipping delays on certain gas logs. Hansen Wholesale has created a quick ship page of all gas logs that can be shipped immediately.
H. Peterson Real Fyre Gas Logs are the most realistic gas logs because they are meticulously hand-crafted to resemble natural wood and carefully designed and arranged to produce a flame that looks just like a real wood fire. Peterson also makes gas logs in many styles duplicating trees from all different terrains, ensuring accuracy to setting.
You want to make sure the gas logs you choose are high-quality, realistic, and visually appealing. Here’s some practical advice to keep in mind during the selection process.
4 Tips for Picking Realistic Gas Logs
1. Choose the Best Gas Logs Brand
We’ve been in the gas logs business for many years, and when someone asks us about the most realistic log options, we don’t hesitate to recommend products from RH Peterson. Their artists and designers craft and hand-paint beautiful gas log sets, ensuring that they look stunning and stand the test of time.
Their designers have also refined their products over many years, resulting in rugged designs with unparalleled heat distribution. Additionally, they arrange the wood-stack around the burner to look like real, natural wood burning in a fireplace.
RH Peterson’s gas logs are made from superior refractory ceramics, expanded shales, and aggregates and utilize an advanced calcium aluminate binder. These materials, when pre-fired in a rotary kiln, provide impressive compressive strength, allowing for finer detailing without any chipping or cracking. Also, they offer high bulk density—increasing the radiant heat—and better rheology, meaning a quality texture with superior durability and few bugholes.
The brand makes a beautiful bark texture, as you can see in their Golden Oak Designer Plus log set. This set is so in-demand, they manufacture a vented, vent-free, and low-stack version. Additionally, they hand-paint a beautiful wood grain that looks exactly like the inside of chopped wood, as in their Split Oak Designer Plus logs. Finally, their artisans mimic smoke and char markings that look just like a real piece of wood that has been burnt. For example, take a look at their Charred Rugged Split Oak log set.
3. Measure the Fireplace
Gas logs that are too big for a fireplace can look awkward and pose safety risks. Logs that are too small will look sparse and underwhelming. Additionally, the burner system must be a certain distance from the walls to stay cool. If it’s too close, the gas valve will overheat and melt, leading to the system failing. Fortunately, getting the correct sizing will prevent these issues.
Measure the fireplace first, including the depth, back width, front width, and height. For the gas logs to fit, the depth must be at least 12 inches. However, there are options for shallow fireplaces that only go 9 to 10 inches back. Next, make sure there’ll be at least 2 inches of space between the burner and walls, taking the fuel control system and pilot light into account.
Finally, measure the gas logs to make sure they’ll fit. The length of each log shouldn’t exceed the fireplace’s width.
4. Opt for a Top-Performing Burner
While realistic logs are important, the fireplace needs an excellent burner to look its best. The G52 Radiant Fyre Burner System will provide a beautiful aesthetic. It’s one of RH Peterson’s most advanced vented gas log burners, particularly when configured with an electronic ignition system and variable flame remote. It can also generate more radiant heat than a typical vented gas log. Plus, it produces dancing flames, creating a realistic look. The fiber-enhanced refractory ceramic logs that are compatible with this option sit atop a stainless steel booster grid. The heat buildup of the interior areas of the logs creates a glow that mimics a real wood fire. You can also use a remote to adjust the flame height.
Charred Evergreen Split Oak gas log set, which uses the G52 Radiant Fyre Burner System
Another burner option is the G31 3-Tiered Burner System. It produces a realistic fire while using the gas efficiently, reducing costs. Three tubes are used to direct the flames to the right areas—not to places that aren’t necessary. In turn, less gas is needed. Additionally, the burner doesn’t require as much space in your fireplace, as the design is compact, and the control valve is tucked away below the burner. This allows you to put in larger logs. Finally, like the G52 Radiant Fyre Burner, you can adjust the flame height with a remote control.
If you’re looking to get a realistic gas log system for your fireplace, reach out to our team at Hansen Wholesale. We’ll walk you through the options, answering your questions and directing you to products that meet your needs. Call (800) 201-1193 to speak to a gas logs specialist.